The Missouri Department of Transportation will replace the Route 96 bridge over Spring River south of Route V in the spring or summer of 2012.

Residents who have questions or comments about the project are encouraged to leave a comment or question on the "Comment on this Project" link below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If the bridge closes before the first weekend in June it could affect Fishing Days at Kellogg Lake--an event that draws nearly 1,000 kids from the surrounding area. Could this be avoided?

A: We will take this into consideration. It could be possible to have the contractor wait to close the road until after this event. We'd like to have the bridge opened before school starts, so we'll have to see if that will give the contractor enough time to get the work done without forcing up the cost of construction.

Q: Carthage has a "visioning" document developed by Drury University that suggests possibly adding something to the bridge as an entrance to the city. Can this be incorporated into the design?

A: MoDOT has a limited amount of funds available to build the bridge. If the city or some entity were willing to contribute funds to such an effort MoDOT would be willing to listen.

Q: When are you planning on closing the bridge?

A: Summer of 2012.

Q: Which bridge is it exactly?

A: There are four bridges very close together. This is the longest bridge, 480 feet long, over Spring River.

Q: Why this bridge? The other bridges near it look bad too.

A: This bridge has a worse rating from the National Bridge Inventory. While the others may look bad, the ratings are based on structural soundness and not cosmetics. The other bridges have a better rating than this one.